Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Mar 30: Udupi-Chikkmagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary inspected the ongoing construction work of the Indrali railway bridge on Sunday, March 30. The project has faced significant delays, leading to public criticism. In response, some social organizations had planned to stage a protest on April 1, marking it as ‘April Fool’s Day.’

Addressing the issue, Kota Srinivas Poojary stated, "I have visited this site eight to nine times for inspections. Since I became an MP, the project has gained momentum. In a democracy, protests are acceptable, but they should not distort the truth. Such actions by Congress leaders are inappropriate. The project is nearing completion, and attempting to mock it with an 'April Fool' protest is unfair."

He further added, "The bridge work may have started eight or nine years ago, but in the last nine months of my tenure, I have made special efforts to accelerate it. The girder installation and welding work are ongoing. For the first time in my public life, I had to summon officials and contractors to the police station for written assurances regarding delays. The girder is now fully ready. Since the Konkan Railway lacked the required crib systems, we procured them through South Western Railway in Hubballi. Senior officials from Lucknow will inspect the site before final completion. The people of Udupi must understand the reality. Protesters should not mislead the public by calling them ‘April Fools.’"

Engineers, authorities, and local residents were present during the inspection.